Panic disorder without agoraphobia is equally common in men and women. However, agoraphobia occurs more often in women than men. Approximately 80% of severe agoraphobics are women.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Today, we will explore a strategy referred to as reframing. This technique is also helpful during disputes and to gain better control over anger.
Reframing is about changing perception by understanding something in another way. There are two basic kinds of reframes: context reframing and content reframing. Both can alter our internal representations of events or situations, which permits us to experience the events in other, hopefully, more resourceful ways.(1)
The second type of reframing is content reframing. Content reframing is simply changing the meaning of a situation - that is, the situation or behavior stays the same, but the meaning is changed. For instance, a famous army general reframed a distressful situation for his troops by telling them that "We're not retreating, we're just advancing in another direction." Another example is the reframing of death. Death is a life event that has different meaning in different cultures, and even many individuals deal with this event in vastly different ways. Some are forever grieving the loss, whereas others are joyous at the now eternal presence of the person's spirit. In other words, different people attach very different meaning and interpretations to the concept of death.(1)
The content or meaning of a situation is determined by what you choose to focus on. An electrical power failure can be viewed as disruptive, a major disaster given all you have to get done. Or it can be viewed as an opportunity to spend some intimate time with your spouse or to have fun with your children finding innovative ways to manage the situation.(2)
A content reframe is useful for statements such as: €˜I get annoyed when my boss stands behind me while I am working.€™(2)
Notice how the person has taken the situation and given it a specific meaning -- which may or may not be true - and in so doing limits her resourcefulness and possible courses of action.(2)
To reframe this situation, remember the assumption that, €œEvery behavior has a positive intention€ and ask questions such as: €œWhat other meaning could the boss€™ behavior have? Or for what purpose does he do it? A possible reframe might be: €˜Is it possible he wants to help and does not know how to offer his assistance in any other way?€™
What is the positive value in this behavior? The positive value could be related to the boss€™ behavior (as above) or it could be related to the speaker€™s behavior. A possible reframe might be: €˜Isn€™t it great that you know your boundaries and are not prepared to allow someone to violate them?€™(2)
We hope this post has been helpful to you. We now invite members to ask questions and/or post comments!
1. Sandidge, R.L. & Ward, A.C. (1999) Quality Performance in Human Services. Retrieved February 18, 2008. http://www.successmeasures.com/reframing.htm
2. Ellerton, R. (2004). Live Your Dreams Let Reality Catch Up : NLP and Common Sense for Coaches, Managers and You. Retrieved February 18, 2008, http://www.renewal.ca/nlp20.htm
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Hi Tikithyme,
Welcome to our support community and thanks for taking some time to tell us a little bit about yourself. To start working through the sessions go to your Session Diary and under today's date you can click on "Continue with Program". We encourage you to work through one session a week but you can also work through then as your schedule allows.
Before taking any medication or supplements, we strongly encourage you to speak with your doctor.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Tiki,
You're very welcome! We're always around if you have any question about the program and the members also offer a great wealth of knowledge.
Keep us posted!
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Are you often caught in traffic? On commutes that are long? Are you running lots of errands?
Your anxiety can high during these expected situations. Why not plan for them? If you know you will be going on a trip or long commute, get active and prepare.
Use the weekend to challenge those thoughts and use the exposure therapy to help you progress through each situation.
Share with us what you have done to help you prepare for these trips.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
About 1.7% of the adult U.S. population ages 18 to 54 - approximately 2.4 million Americans - have panic disorder in a given year.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Georgie,
Don't fret! Every job interview is a learning experience and they all help you grow as an individual. Take some time to reflect on this experience. If you are feeling really uneasy about it, you could always call the doctor and speak with him about the appointment.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Members,
Make sure you are journaling your days events. Keep track of what set off your panic attack or what you did on the days that you don't experience any. Keeping track of your symptoms will help prepare you for the next attack or better yet, help you avoid it if you feel one coming on.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Amy,
Welcome to the Panic Centre and thanks for sharing a bit about yourself. There are many different types of panic and anxiety that an individual can suffer from. Take some time to look through the program and read about the various types. You may also want to visit your doctor and talk to him about some of the symptoms you've been experiencing.
Keep us posted.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
Women are roughly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia. This occurs when a person with panic disorder goes to great lengths to avoid situations which they feel they could not escape from or obtain help if struck by a panic attack. In some cases, people develop a fear of being alone. People with agoraphobia often avoid public transport or shopping malls, others refuse to leave their homes, sometimes for years at a time.
Brenna, Bilingual Health Educator
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